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Insect Bites & Stings

Insect Bite & Sting Treatment with our Studio City Veterinarian

The Animal Emergency Centre in Los Angeles is a premier area veterinary ER. Our emergency animal hospital has state-of-the-art technology and a highly experienced team of vets who can help animals recover from a variety of ailments, including insect bites and stings. We encourage all local pet parents to learn about this common health hazard in order to be better prepared in the event it occurs.

Signs & Symptoms of Insect Stings or Bites in Cats or Dogs

Critters are everywhere: mosquitos, fleas, ticks, flies, bees, wasps, and other insects. Here are the signs to look out for in your cats or dogs which may indicate a bite or sting:

Swelling of the eyelids, ear flaps, muzzle, face (if the entire face is swelling, this is known as angioedema

Urticaria or "hives" which appear like red welts on the skin

Itchy, red, irritated skin

Wheezing

Weakness

Wheezing

Weakness and trembling

Weak and/or fast pulse

Unconsciousness

Cold limbs

Diarrhea

Clearly, these symptoms can be quite troubling in and of themselves. However, if your animal has an allergic or adverse reaction to the insect which bit or stung it, additional complications can present, such as skin infection (at the bite or sting site), anaphylactic shock, respiratory distress, or collapse.

How Our L.A. Vets Treat Animals Suffering from Bites & Stings

Our L.A. vets advise pet parents to treat an insect bite or sting in their pet seriously, as they can quickly devolve into a life-threatening situation. When you bring your animal in to see a veterinarian for help following such an injury, our team will initiate a variety of emergency interventions to ensure the animal is as safe and pain-free as possible. We may run special blood tests and lab work and provide topical or oral medications to stop the swelling and inflammation. If additional medications or interventions are indicated (such as pain-relieving medications or supportive intervention for more serious complications), we'll be sure to advise you of our clinical decision-making process every step of the way.

We also advise pet parents to have on hand emergency bite or sting supplies, including Benadryl, ice, or aloe vera gel. Our team will educate you on how to use these at-home emergency treatments, although we generally will recommend that you call us in any incident involving insect bites for guidance.

Schedule an Appointment with Your Studio City Veterinarian

Are you a pet parent dealing with an emergency situation with one of your pets, such as an illness, accident, injury, or insect bite? Contact our Studio City CA emergency vet team by calling (818) 760-3882 now.

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Read What Our Clients Say

"Sammers is an 11 year old, Black, Domestic Short Hair Cat. His owner noticed that Sammers was pacing, walking around in circles at home and crying out in pain.

"I would like to thank all of the staff who helped with Sammer's UTI. He was miserable, and you guys made him better. I cannot thank you enough for helping him. It is great to have a place to go when all the other vet clinics are closed.""

Roxanne & "Sammers"- June 2012

"Kahlua is a very special service dog. He was brought in by his owner when she noticed that Kahlua was acting very painful and didn't want to jump. After a thorough exam Kahlua went home with some pain meds. Kahlua's mom stopped by our Facebook page to send us a note on his progress.

"Just wanted to thank Dr. Cavanaugh, straight from the heart for seeing our Kahlua and putting our worries to rest. It was hilarious trying to get him to take his Tramadol.... cheese would not work but the Chunky Skippy did the trick. WE THINK YOU ARE AWESOME!!!!!!!! So thank you, straight from the heart.""